Wiley CPAexcel

Wiley CPAexcel has been one of the most trusted names in the industry for quite some time. Thanks to a massive question bank and an intuitive dashboard, Wiley’s CPA prep course is what many exam candidates use to pass.

Surgent CPA Review

Surgent offers one of the best CPA review courses on the market. Thanks to the most experienced instructors in the industry, great adaptive technology, and unparalleled support and coaching, Surgent CPA review is a great tool for passing the exam the first time around.

6. Plan Your CPA Study Schedule

When you’re studying for the CPA exam, it’s going to be tough to choose the first section that you’re going to pass. So, before you commit to taking the hardest part first, maybe take a look at my article that tells you which CPA section to take first. I cover everything you’ll ever want to know about the whole process, from college to certification in my CPA study guide.

Welcome to Crush the CPA!

I’m proof that an average accountant can pass the CPA exam the first time around. I started Crush to share my story and help YOU find the best study materials for your CPA journey. I want you to learn from my experience, avoid the mistakes I made, and choose the right CPA review course for your learning style.

You don’t have to get rid of your social life or sell your soul to pass the CPA exam. I was able to cut my overall CPA prep time in half by eliminating worthless study methods and figuring out the materials that helped me learn. So, let’s get you on the right track and move closer toward that CPA designation next to your name.

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The CPA Exam Pass Rate is Just 49%

The odds to pass are so low because the majority of CPA candidates lack the knowledge and resources to properly plan, study, and prioritize.

CRUSH is here to make sure that you are equipped with everything you need to pass all four sections of the CPA exam your first time through. Let’s get started!

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“Bryce was very knowledgeable and helpful in deciding which CPA course would be most beneficial. He also gave me useful hints and tips to make my study habits much more effective.”

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“Crush The CPA had all of the information I needed to start my CPA adventure in ONE place. Thank you so much for the study tips Bryce. You really know your stuff! I'm going to Crush The CPA Exam Now!”

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Most Common Questions About the CPA

Why should I become a CPA?

The benefits of being a CPA are both tangible and intangible. With that designation next to your name, you get a better career trajectory, a higher salary, respect from similarly accredited peers, and the potential to secure corner office positions. Over the course of their careers, CPAs make $1 million more than their non-certified counterparts. The C-Suite is more likely to be made up of people who are CPAs than those who lack the title—executive search firm Spencer Stuart noted roughly 45 percent of CFOs have a CPA.

What are the CPA exam requirements by state?

The requirements to sit for the CPA exam aren’t especially varied from state to state, but there are certainly some outliers. Understanding these CPA exam requirements is necessary, however, as the first step to becoming a CPA is being able to sit for the exam. For the most part, you’re going to need 150 credit hours of accounting education, along with some work experience. There’s definitely more to the requirements than just 150 credit hours, but you’re going to have that as a basic educational foundation to sit for the exam.

How do I apply for the CPA exam?

Applying for the CPA exam is a complicated process, especially given the date restrictions and many requirements. Understanding how to apply will help with scheduling and time management, so make sure you cover all of the bases. The basic application process involves school transcripts, submitting the fee and application, receiving the ATT from your state board, getting your NTS from NASBA, going to the Prometric website to schedule the exam dates, and then finally studying and taking the test. The CPA exam application process is very specific and can be confusing, so make sure you follow every detail exactly to a T.

How do people stay motivated after failing a CPA exam section?

Finding the motivation to carry on with studying after a failed test is heartbreaking for many people. However, if you can make the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel a tangible goal or event, it will ease the process of starting over. Many people fail at least one section, so it’s certainly possible to keep studying if you know WHY you’re taking the test. Failing a section also doesn’t mean you’re not cut out to become a CPA—many people who occupy corner offices of Fortune 500 companies have failed one section of their exams. The important thing with regard to failing is to make sure you don’t make the same mistake twice.

How do I recognize my “learning style”?

Recognizing your learning style is the key to cutting hours and hours off of your studying time. Once you know what works with regard to specific types of prep tools—videos, audio content, or practicing by doing via test banks or books—the whole process becomes easier and each minute of studying becomes more valuable. If you’re wondering what your learning style is, I suggest you check out the above post and determine exactly how you process and consume information. Not knowing how you learn best before you invest in a CPA review course is basically burning money!

What are the different testing windows for the CPA exam?

The test is broken down into the quarterly fiscal schedule on which all businesses rely. So, for the first quarter, you get to take the test within the first two months and an additional ten days into the second month. Once this testing window is over, the schedule simply repeats that pattern. Basically, there’s a 20-ish day period per quarter in which you cannot take the test. If you’re able to plan your studying and schedule your exams correctly, you’ll be able to knock out the CPA in roughly a year!

How do I create a study schedule?

Creating a CPA exam study schedule is reliant on you making an honest assessment of how many hours you can devote per week. If you’re working full-time, you’re going to want to study a certain amount per day, with somewhat longer sessions on the weekend. If you’re not working, you can devote larger chunks of time per day—the key is to keep a consistent level of studying, as you don’t want to do too much on one day and none on another. Knowing how to study for the CPA exam will be the difference between passing and failing each individual section.

Which section of the CPA exam should I take first?

Your first CPA exam section should be the one that you feel most confident about passing. Check out the video below to find out why!

About CRUSH The CPA

CRUSH was created to help you pass the CPA exam as fast as possible without losing your freaking mind!